Fell, 31, of Devonshire Road, Toxteth, was appearing before magistrates in Liverpool.

Mr Stretch, 38, was found battered to death at his home in Imperial Chambers at 9pm last Thursday after he failed to turn up for work.

He is thought to have died the night before.

Police discovered Mr Stretch, who was a manufacturing and customer services manager for a company in Bootle, lying in a pool of blood after colleagues expressed concern. There was evidence of a "disturbance" at his flat.

A murder squad, led by Det Supt Julieanne Wallace-Jones, was today continuing its inquiries as Fell appeared in court.

Det Supt Wallace-Jones said a taxi driver who was in the area at the time may be able to help with the investigation.

She said: "We would like to speak to any taxi drivers who may have picked two men up in the early hours of Thursday, June 6, in Victoria Street and Dale Street areas.

"We would also like to speak to any taxi drivers who picked up two men in the Duke Street and Berry Street area that morning who may have been acting suspiciously."

Mr Stretch had lived in Imperial Chambers, popular with professionals, for about three years. His family are believed to be from Manchester.

Anyone with information should phone detectives at Stanley Street police station on 0151 777 8683 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.